Miners Folding Gimbaled Candlesticks
by Al Winters
Folding miners candlesticks are relatively rare as are candlesticks incorporating a thimble mounted in a gimbal.
The purpose of the gimbal is to allow the candle to remain vertical regardless of the angle the candlestick is
positioned in. This characteristic theoretically increases the life of the candle.
Three gimbaled candlesticks were
patented and others that exist were
most likely intended to be patented.
Location of the three patents granted
for a gimbal design was one from
California and two from Oregon. Few
examples of these patented sticks or
any other gimbaled sticks are known
and they are considered very rare.
Two of the known gimbaled sticks that
were never patented are very unique in
that they also incorporate folding
mechanisms.
Both of the candlesticks shown were
found in California. The candlestick
shown on the left came from an estate
sale in the mother lode country. The
two are considered sister sticks and
assumed to be made by the same hand.
Most likely the maker was trying to
develop a practical model that he could
patent. A similar constructed nonfolding stick is known and believed
made by the same hand.
The metal work of both sticks is
exceptional and required a lot of work
in the design and build. Neither of the
Folded Gimbaled Candlesticks (spike down). Left: Al Winters
candlesticks was found with the hooks
collection with detachable hook. Right: Roger Peterson collection
and Roger Peterson, owner of one of
with folding hook.
the sticks, took on the job of designing
and building the hooks. The sticks
were slightly different in the way the spike set when folded down as well as the spike locking devise. How
exactly the maker was going to design the hook is unknown but it is assumed that he would have made the hook
to fold or detach and lock in so that the candleholder could comfortably be carried in one’s pocket when folded
and not in use.
Folded Gimbaled Candlesticks (spike down). Above: Al Winters collection with detachable
hook. Below: Roger Peterson collection with folding hook.
Roger’s stick incorporates a folding hook which threads into
the gimbal base ring and is locked down by the spike when
folded. The sister stick incorporates a detachable hook that
pins into an unthreaded base ring and locks down via a pin
and encasing hook design which partially surrounds the
thimble.
Which stick was made first is a good question. The stick on
the left is a little beefier but the locking devise of the stick on
the right is certainly better designed. Neither however, would
probably survive for any length of time in a mining
environment. What is needed now is a third sister stick to
show up with the final design by the maker.
Left: Folded Gimbaled Candlesticks (spike up)